Letter to the editor: On Kim Davis

Dear The Sunflower, 

I have concern with a column printed in this week’s Sunflower (Monday, September 15, 2015). It was titled “Remember separation of church and state”, by Victoria Hendricks. I find that this column is of poor quality, contains false statements, and unfairly attacks a religious group. 

The column incorrectly states that Kim Davis “broke the law” when she legally did not. In 2004, Kentucky passed a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage. Kim Davis swore an oath to uphold the Kentucky constitution, not the constitution of the United States. Until the Kentucky legislature changes the Kentucky constitution to reflect the order by the Supreme Court, the law doesn’t change. Legally, this is why Kim Davis did not break any laws; she upheld exactly what she swore to uphold.

This column attempts to use biblical scripture to defend a position that all Christians should obey the “law of the land.” 

1 Peter 2:13-14 is used to justify this argument. 1 Peter 2:13 says “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority” (NIV). To fully understand this verse we must understand who the author is and who he was writing to. Peter was writing to churches in Asia Minor that were under persecution as Christians. Throughout Peter’s letter he mentions living a life that is so full of good that if your enemies attack you for your beliefs they will be ashamed of their actions. 1 Peter 3:13-16 is an example.  Peter is not speaking to obey everything that the current authority says to do. I defend this statement by stating Acts 4: 1-4 where Peter was thrown in jail for breaking a law not to preach that Jesus is the Messiah. Peter’s actions do not go against his letter (1 Peter), but show that if the authority commands you do something that is against the commands of God, you can peacefully disobey them. This is exactly what Kim Davis did when she refused to sign same-sex marriage licenses. 

Deuteronomy 17:12 is also used, the verse states: “Anyone arrogant enough to reject the verdict of the judge must be put to death.” This statement is used in direct response to how Christians “should” act toward the Supreme Court decision about same-sex marriage. I find that this statement is taking scripture out of context and abusing it as a means to gain support for an argument. To understand this verse we must understand the book of Deuteronomy and the chapter in which it is written. Moses wrote the book of Deuteronomy for God’s chosen people (The Israelites). In this specific chapter, Moses is saying to go to the Levitical priests, Deuteronomy 17:8-9. The full context of this verse is that the Israelites must obey what the Levitical priests say because the Levitical priests have been appointed by God and will judge justly. These verses are directly talking about the Israelites and the Levitical priests, not judges in America.

Thank you, 

­­­— Michael Bond, WSU sophomore